Following their fourth performance at the BBC Proms last month we are celebrating the work of the Chineke! Orchestra, Europe’s first majority black and ethnically diverse orchestra and the flagship ensemble of the Chineke! Foundation.
The Chineke! Foundation was established in 2015 by Chi-Chi Nwanoku OBE. Its’ mission is to provide professional opportunities for up-and-coming and established black and ethnically diverse classical musicians.
As well as increasing the representation of Black and ethnically diverse musicians within the industry, the orchestra also performs a repertoire which combines the ‘standard’ compositions alongside those written by Black and ethnically diverse composers.
And for young musicians there is the Chineke! Junior Orchestra which aims to give Black and ethnically diverse young people confidence, inspiration and a pathway into further education and a professional career in classical music.
“My aim is to create a space where Black and ethnically diverse musicians can walk on stage and know that they belong, in every sense of the word. If even one Black and ethnically diverse child feels that their colour is getting in the way of their musical ambitions, then I hope to inspire them, give them a platform, and show them that music, of whatever kind, is for all people.” - Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE